Action for a Better Charnwood

Bedford Square, Wards End and Devonshire Square Public Realm Improvement Scheme

The meeting will be on Wednesday 28th September 2016 in the back room at the Swan in the Rushes at 7pm

The Borough Council is inviting comments on draft proposals for improvements to the public realm within Bedford Square, Wards End and Devonshire Square, Loughborough. Details of the scheme may be viewed on line and comments submitted via the dedicated web site at:

www.charnwood.gov.uk/bedford_square_gateway

The deadline for the submission of comments is 26 October 2016.

The scheme has its origins in the Loughborough Town Centre Master Plan of 2007 which promoted improvements throughout the public areas of the town centre to encourage and support its overall vitality and viability. With the completion of the Inner Relief Road and related improvements to Baxter Gate, Swan Street, Market Place and High Street the area between Devonshire Square and Bedford Square is the only remaining part of the town centre which has not been the subject of an improvement scheme. In the face of increasingly challenging trading conditions local businesses and their representatives are anxious to see measures introduced to encourage higher footfall to improve the prospects for businesses.

Accordingly the Borough Council, following preliminary discussions with local businesses, has commissioned the preparation of a draft scheme which aims to:

· Widen pavements for the benefit of shoppers and pedestrians and permit some businesses to spill into the street to add interest and vitality without causing an obstruction;

· Retain as much convenient on street parking as possible, including dedicated disabled parking bays, across the total scheme area while providing also for taxis;

· Create a “destination feature” within Bedford Square to define the gateway to the town centre and encourage shoppers to visit the area;

· Retain the flexibility required to accommodate the annual fair, regular markets and occasional events.

It is emphasised that the proposals are very much a starting point for discussion with stakeholders and service delivery agencies. Funding has yet to be finalised but the development of a scheme which is capable of commanding support across those partnerships will be essential in seeking financial contributions to enable delivery.

The Council will consider all comments and representations received and will revisit the details of the scheme as necessary before preparing final plans.

If you have an idea for a topic and a speaker, please email the Chair, Tony Stott on tony.stott@vavuprint.com.

For further information about ABC (Action for a Better Charnwood), please email: abc.charnwood@gmail.com.